THE STORY

I was born September 25, 1984, to Charles and Chenna Latta. I entered the world vivaciously and eager to meet my six older siblings. Upon delivery, it was not indicated that I suffered from asthma, so everything seemed perfect. At three weeks, my parents were thrown for a loop when I suffered my first asthma attack. My breathing was staggered and I struggled to breathe. My parents rushed me to the hospital where I was administered medication, breathing treatments, and sedation. It was very hard on our family.

Following the first asthma attack, I was hospitalized consistently over the next thirteen months off and on. My parents would take me to the hospital and I would stay at least one week a month. Even though my temperature would rise during an asthma attack, I would always have a smile on my face. The frequent hospital visits became my normal.

Even though my asthma took up a lot of time, my parents had to work. Other family members were hesitant to watch me due to my intense asthma attacks. My Aunt Willie Mae was the only person in my family who wasn’t afraid of my asthma. She provided me with unconditional love and comfort throughout my life.

During one attack when I was four years old, my mom started crying; she was desperate and just wanted me better. I looked at her and said, “I don’t have asthma anymore. Don’t cry.” After that, my mom said my asthma got better.

When I was four, my dad played baseball. I loved to run the bases and pretend I was a baseball player, despite my asthma. I had asthma, but I didn’t let it control me; I was rambunctious and I loved sports.

Despite being only 5’6″, I took an interest in basketball at an early age. My brothers and dad played and I loved watching it on TV. During that time, we had a dirt court. Kids across the neighborhood would come out and play. I loved it, especially competing against the boys.

Around age 10, I started playing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) with the Carolina Stompers, where my dad was a coach. The practices and games and were intense, but I loved traveling and meeting new people. The Carolina Stompers won a lot of championships and many of my teammates went on to play at the college level. I also won an AAU championship with Team North Carolina alongside Camille Little.

In the 7th Grade, I played on the York Junior High School team. During my first game, I scored 43 points and was immediately moved to varsity with my two older sisters.

I played varsity basketball at York Comprehension High for the remainder of my high school career. Arsonia Stroud was my coach and was instrumental in setting the foundation for my future in basketball. While I played for York Comprehensive High’s Cougars, our team won a championship. I also became the top scorer for men’s and women’s basketball in South Carolina.

After high school, I participated in the 2003 WBCA High School All-America Game where I scored seventeen points, and earned MVP honors. I then attended UNC Chapel Hill and was coached by the legendary Sylvia Hatchell.

In 2007, I was drafted for the WNBA to the Detroit Shock, becoming one of the smallest women to play professional ball. Since then I’ve played with the other WNBA teams: Atlanta Dream, Tulsa Shock, and currently the Washington Mystics. While playing in the WNBA, I’ve been to the WNBA All Star Game and have participated in community service projects to help make a difference.

As a kid, I never dreamed I’d play professional basketball, but now I get to do what I love for a living. In short (no pun intended!), I’ve learned to never give up!